According to Lang Son Customs Department, to prepare for the holiday period, the department developed and implemented a plan to maintain security, safety, and respond effectively to any unexpected situations.

This included directing customs units at border gates to create schedules ensuring import-export (I/E) activities and state revenue collection proceeded efficiently and smoothly throughout the Tet holiday.

From January 25th to February 2nd, the Lang Son Customs Department ensured security and safety in I/E activities at border gates across the province.

Lang Son Customs arranges officers to handle procedures for businesses. Photo: H.Nu

Specifically, the Huu Nghi, Tan Thanh, and Chi Ma border gate customs units processed nearly 3,500 declarations with a total value of over US$306 million during this period (January 26th to the 4th day of the Lunar New Year).

According to a report from the Dong Dang-Lang Son Border Gate Economic Zone Authority, from January 25th to February 2nd, customs agencies processed procedures for 71 vehicles carrying I/E goods, including 34 export vehicles and 37 import vehicles. Meanwhile, at the Tan Thanh border gate, customs agencies processed procedures for 81 I/E vehicles, including 61 export vehicles and 20 import vehicles.

To promote customs clearance and improve efficiency at the Huu Nghi International Border Gate, the Tan Thanh - Po Chai road which is specialized to transport cargo, and the Chi Ma bilateral border gate, the Lang Son Customs Department proactively created the most favorable conditions for businesses during the clearance process.

Currently, the Lang Son Customs Department has officers on duty and working without lunch breaks to complete procedures for I/E businesses. Even when the border gate is closed, the customs agency still accepts and processes procedures for declared shipments, allowing these shipments to be cleared the following morning.

In addition, the Lang Son Customs Department coordinated with border gate forces to process entry and exit procedures for nearly 20,000 passengers and vehicles through the Huu Nghi, Tan Thanh, and Chi Ma international border gates.

In terms of anti-smuggling and trade fraud efforts, the unit strictly adhered to and implemented directives from higher levels to inspect, supervise, and control anti-smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods, especially before, during, and after the Tet holiday.

Along with that, units also strengthened inspection and control of I/E goods to prevent, deter, and strictly handle acts of smuggling, trade fraud, transfer pricing, and tax evasion. The Lang Son Customs Department focused on items such as foreign alcohol, food, beverages, poultry and poultry products, all kinds of firecrackers, and consumer goods.

Notably, customs units at border gates under the Lang Son Customs Department proactively coordinated closely with the Border Guard force to conduct patrols and inspections in the management areas.

They also effectively implemented coordination regulations with agencies and local authorities in the fight against smuggling and illegal transportation of goods across borders and within customs operation areas.